Sturridge vows to get goals

Daniel Sturridge feels like he now belongs on the Premier League stage and is confident he will get goals at Chelsea if given a chance.

By Chris Burton

Last Updated: 09/09/11 9:15am

Sturridge: Confident he can build on an impressive loan spell at Bolton

Daniel Sturridge feels like he now belongs on the Premier League stage and is confident he will get goals at Chelsea if given a chance.

The former England Under 21 international has been regarded as a hot prospect for some time, having first burst onto the scene at Manchester City.

A move to Stamford Bridge has offered him the ideal platform on which to showcase his talent, but he has had to be patient with the capital giants.

He was forced to play a bit-part role during his first season with the Blues, as Carlo Ancelotti guided Chelsea to a league and cup double.

Sturridge was, however, able to shake off his shackles last term during a loan spell at Bolton, as he plundered eight goals in 12 appearances.

He is now hoping to carry that form into the 2011/12 campaign, having served a three-match ban, and is hoping new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas will give him an opportunity to prove his worth.

Encouraged

"That loan spell at Bolton last season was a chance to show not only that I belong in the Premier League but I can score goals at the highest level," Sturridge told the Daily Mirror.

"When you are growing up and are deemed to have potential, it can become a worry if you don't get the chance to play regularly. You worry that potential will never turn into the finished article.

"That potential still lingers over my head now, but this is a big season for me. This is the year when I could turn that promise into regular first-team football at Chelsea.

"I'm surrounded by world-class players who will help me grow up and learn, and we have a new manager who has encouraged me to believe I have an important part to play.

"I scored a few goals in pre-season and now my ban is over I'm raring to go. There is no shortage of competition for places up front at Chelsea, but that's fine by me.

Firepower

"Manchester United and Manchester City have set a formidable pace this season, but don't be in any doubt that Chelsea have the firepower to compete with them.

"This is a big season for me - I proved I could do it for Bolton, and given the chance I would love to show I can do it for Chelsea as well.

"We're fighting to get our title back and we're not going to let the two Manchester clubs have it all their own way."

Sturridge is also setting his sights on a senior England call-up, having seen his former strike partner at U21 level, Danny Welbeck, force himself into the frame.

He said: "You never know - it's up to the manager to choose the best combination up front for England, but the Two Dannies has a nice ring to it.

"I played with Danny many times for the U21s, so I was delighted for him when he won a full cap with the senior team earlier this year, and if I can go on to achieve the same thing, and even play in the same England team as him again, it would be a great honour."